It’s not like you just wake up one day, and suddenly can’t hear. For most individuals, hearing loss comes in degrees, especially when it is linked to the aging process. Some indicators show up earlier, though, and you don’t realize there is an issue immediately.
These initially developing symptoms advance very discreetly. Slowing down the progression of hearing loss and its related health challenges is a matter of early detection. However, you’re unable to detect the signs if you don’t know what they are. Contemplate these eight barely detectable indicators that you might have hearing loss.
1. Some voices you can’t hear very well, others you can
Maybe you can hear the cashier perfectly, but when your wife chimes in on the conversation, everything gets messed up. It’s a common indication that the nerves that transmit messages to the brain are damaged (called sensorineural hearing loss).
Her voice is a higher pitch, and that’s why it’s unclear. You might not be able to hear your daughter or grandchild very well for the same reason. Even higher pitched tones like the phone ringing or alarm clock can get lost. Those tones are high, also.
2. You avoid phone conversations
When the phone rings you often make excuses for not answering:
- I’m simply not used to this brand new phone yet
- It’s probably just spam
Consider why you dread talking on your phone. If you have the volume all the way up and can’t hear what is being said, let someone else test the phone for you. You most likely have a hearing loss problem if you can’t hear the voice but your friend can.
3. Why does everyone mumble these days?
It used to be just the kids, but as of late, the lady on the TV news, the bartender, your neighbor, and your partner all seem like they are mumbling when they speak with you. It’s hard to imagine that everyone in your life suddenly has poor enunciation so this is a strong indication of hearing decline. How you hear words is changing. One of the first indications that something is going on with your hearing is when it sounds like people are mumbling and consonants like “S” and “T” are dropping off.
4. You’re saying “what?” a lot
You might not even recognize that you’re unable to hear conversations anymore until someone points out that you’re saying “What?” during conversations a lot. Frequently, the first people to notice you are developing hearing loss are the people you see on a daily basis, like family and coworkers. You should definitely pay attention if someone says something.
5. What’s that ringing in my ears?
This sign is somewhat more obvious, but unless it becomes a distraction, people tend to disregard it. Tinnitus, the medical name for the ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Triggers are an important factor in tinnitus so it can be intermittent, too. Perhaps, when you first wake up in the morning is when you have the most noticeable ringing or buzzing. Or a trauma, circulatory problems, or high blood pressure might be the cause.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms you should schedule an appointment for an exam because they might be a sign that you’re having a health problem.
6. Meeting your friends at the neighborhood barbecue isn’t as enjoyable
Again, there are those people mumbling, and that’s not fun. It’s so much harder to make out what people are saying in noisy settings. Something as simple as kids playing and splashing around in the pool or the sound of the AC kicking on you makes it extremely tough to hear anything. And attempting to focus in on conversations is exhausting.
7. You feel more fatigued than normal
Struggling to understand words is exhausting. Your brain needs to work harder to process what it does hear, so you are more fatigued than usual. You may even notice differences in your other senses. How much energy is left for eyesight, for instance, if your brain is using so much of its energy trying to hear and understand words? If your last eye exam was normal, then the next thing to get tested is your ears.
8. Why is this TV volume so low?
When you have to constantly turn the volume up on your TV, it becomes all too easy to place the blame on your service provider or that old TV. When you’re experiencing hearing loss it’s difficult to hear dialog on your favorite shows. Dialogue is being muddled by background music and sound effects. There are other things like the room AC or ceiling fan to deal with. Your hearing might be failing if you constantly turn up the volume.
The good thing is, if your hearing is failing, hearing aids can help, you just need to get a hearing test.
If you experience any of the above signs of hearing loss, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.